Jarod Bayless
Position: RHP
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 225 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
Born: 12/29/1996
College: Dallas Baptist University
Drafted: 33rd round, 996th Overall, 2019 (Mariners)
How Acquired: Minor League Free Agent
Bonus: $5,000
40-man Roster: No
Rule 5 Eligible: Eligible
Minor League Free Agency: 2025
Options Left: 3
Overview
A 33rd round draft pick of the Mariners, Bayless is a RHP who throws from a low arm slot. So far, all of his pro appearances have come in relief. He throws a sinker that averages about 91 mph, along with a lot of sliders and curves. He occasionally throws a change. He’s had low walk and high strikeout rates. He’s generally been effective, sometimes very effective, against right-handed hitters but in some years he’s had major trouble with left-handed hitters. Seattle released him late in the 2024 season and the Pirates signed him to a minor league deal for 2025.
2019-22
In his draft year, Bayless pitched in rookie and short season ball. He walked only one and struck out 33 in a total of 23.2 IP, but he got hit hard at the higher level. He didn’t play in the pandemic season, then went to high A in 2021. He missed over a month with an injury, but otherwise put up better numbers than his 4.18 ERA. He had a 1.01 WHIP, 2.7 BB/9 and 12.5 K/9.
Seattle sent Bayless back to High A in 2022 and he had a rough year. He struck out 12 per nine innings, but he had control problems, walking 4.5. He also had a massive gopher ball problem, allowing 12 in just 36 innings, leading to an ERA of 8.00. Left handed batters had an OPS of 1.356 against him. Bayless also missed several weeks with an injury.
2023-24
In 2023, Seattle sent Bayless to low A, where he struggled for five games, and then he made two appearances in AAA. In early May, though, he went to High A and spent the rest of the season there. He had a very good season, especially considering it was the California League. He had a 2.59 ERA, a miniscule 0.72 WHIP, a 0.9 BB/9 and 10.8 K/9.
Bayless moved up to AA in 2024 and had a mediocre season. He had a 4.76 ERA and 1.37 WHIP, and his K/9 dropped sharply to 6.4. Seattle released him in early August.
Stats
Transactions
June 5, 2019: Drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 33rd round, 966th overall pick; signed June 10.
August 6, 2024: Released by the Seattle Mariners.
February 7, 2025: Signed as a minor league free agent by the Pittsburgh Pirates.